Books

Two works in one volume, 4to., (11 4/8 x 9 inches). Engraved frontispiece portrait of Evelyn by Bartolozzi 41 fine engraved plates including one double-page by J. Miller, and one etched plate in sepia, two folding letter-press tables (some browning, spotting and minor offsetting). Contemporary calf (rebacked to style). Provenance: Letterpress receipt signed "A. Hunter" made out to Mrs. Wilson tipped in before the list of subscribers, which includes three Wilsons. First Hunter edition of the "Silva", second Hunter edition of the "Terra". Evelyn's pioneering work on tree cultivation, first published in 1664, and on soils, first published in 1676 ".were both outgrowths of the [unpublished] "Elysium Britannicum". Although primarily intended to encourage tree planting after the devastation of the civil war, "Sylva" was a learned work addressed more to gentlemen than to foresters. In it he introduced the word 'avenues' into the English language of landscaping. By its fourth edition it contained 'an Historical Account of the Sacredness and Use of Standing Groves' that demonstrates its relation to the Elysium project. Sylva's handsome reissue with additional plates by Alexander Hunter in 1776 gave it a renewed popularity" (Douglas D. C. Chambers for DNB). Keynes Evelyn 47 (calling for 39 plates); Henrey 137 (calls for 40 plates); Nissen BBI 615; Keynes Evelyn 98.